Best Christmas Light Displays in the Triangle 2018

POSTED BYJody Mace

Piper Lights

Looking for the biggest, best Christmas lights in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area for the 2018 Christmas season? Here are a few of the most spectacular displays.

Some of these displays are professional operations, but many of them, often synchronized to Christmas music, are put on by regular people, at their own expense, and it takes an incredible amount of time and creativity. So visit and let them know you appreciate it. If the attraction is free, donations are generally appreciated.

Some of these attractions also feature additional activities like Santa visits, train rides or hayrides.

If a radio station is listed, tune your car radio to that station to listen to the coordinated music. Please be considerate of these folks’ neighbors. If a website or Facebook page is listed, make sure to visit and check out any changes in the hours, start dates, and any additional information that you need to know. Some families show videos and pictures of their works in progress as well.

Do you know of a light display that should be included in the list? Please send information to jody@triangleonthecheap.com. I’ll need to see a website or Facebook page so that I know the homeowner wants the information shared.

Lights on the Neuse
1620 Loop Road, Clayton, NC
Open every weekend and select weeknights from Friday, November 23 to December 24th, 2018 (follow above link for specific days)
Open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets for ages 3 and up are $9. Ages 2 and under are free.Enjoy a tractor drawn hay ride through the lights. Cookie decorating kits are available at the Sugar Barn, and candy, hot chocolate, and more can be bought at Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. Santa will be there to chat and take pictures, but not on Christmas Eve.

Meadow Lights
4546 Godwin Lake Road, Benson, NC 27504
Opens Friday, November 16Admission is free, but train rides and a carousel are available for $2 each per person. Santa will be there daily until December 24th and pictures can be taken with him for $6. Concessions are available for purchase starting Thanksgiving night.

Festival of Lights at Hill Ridge Farms
703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC 27596
Thursday, November 22 – December 31
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday is $10. Admission on Wednesdays is $8. Admission on Friday and Saturday is $12. Senior, military and group discount rates are available.Enjoy a covered wagon ride through the lights as well as bonfires, a giant slide, an old fashioned toy and candy store, and concessions for purchase from the Chuckwagon Grill and Granny’s Snack Shack. Details on Facebook page.

Country Christmas Train
4259 Handy Road, Denton, NC 27239
Open weekends and select weekdays beginning Friday, November 23 and ending Wednesday, December 27 (follow above link for exact dates)
Sunday – Thursday: 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Admission for adults on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays is $13. On Saturdays adult admission is $15. Admission for children ages 5 -11 is $5 on all days. Children 4 and under are free.Take a lighted walking tour through the park, and stop to hear carols and the Christmas story at the church. Visit the petting zoo and ride the Handy Dandy Movie and enjoy the lights. Santa will be available for pictures on select days. Food, souvenirs, and crafts will be available for purchase.

Broken Plow Farm’s Lights of Christmas
Fridays and Saturdays from November 30 to December 22, plus Thursday, December 20
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Broken Plow Farm, 1851 Avents Ferry Road, Sanford
$9 includes a hayride to see the Christmas displays around the farm, the light show, and a visit with Santa (between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) Bring your camera! There’s also a play area and an animal barn.

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